For over a year, Apple Watch users in the United States have been missing a key health feature due to an ongoing legal battle. But today, the waiting is finally over. Apple has announced that it is bringing a “redesigned” Blood Oxygen feature to the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 units in the US via a software update.
This is a big win for Apple, but even more so for its customers. After all, they have been without the popular blood oxygen monitoring feature since an import ban related to a patent dispute with health technology company Masimo took effect in December 2023. Since January 2024, Apple has been forced to sell its newest watches in the US without the blood oxygen monitoring support. This left many users feeling short-changed.
Apple Watch’s blood oxygen monitoring is back for US models
To get around the patent issues, Apple has come up with a clever software solution. The redesigned feature will still use the sensors on your Apple Watch to collect data. But the crucial step of calculating your blood oxygen measurements will now be handled by your paired iPhone. The results will then be viewable in the Health app on your phone, not on the watch itself.
This workaround, enabled by a new US Customs ruling, allows Apple to re-enable the feature for devices sold without the original software. The update is coming today as part of iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1. It will apply to the specific US models of the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 that were missing the feature.
This is undoubtedly great news for US customers. However, it’s important to remember that the legal proceedings between Apple and Masimo are not over. The Cupertino giant is still appealing the original decision. So, this story is far from finished. At least a key piece of the Apple Watch health puzzle has officially returned.
RELATED POSTS
View all
